In South Africa, 47% of the population faces energy poverty, spending a significant portion of their income on inadequate electricity. The situation is worsening due to the growth of informal settlements, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. A study focused on the Qandu Qandu settlement examines the impact of a basic solar grant on providing cheaper electricity, raising questions about the viability of solar mini-grids as a solution for those leaving the traditional electricity network.

A TechCentral report highlights a R1.5-billion challenge linked to switching off surplus solar power in South Africa, as no proposal has reached the country's energy regulator on making midday electricity cheaper to absorb excess solar generation. The article suggests that despite growing solar capacity, regulatory action on time-of-use pricing or similar measures remains absent, raising questions about grid management and the cost of curtailing renewable output.

Pensioners in District Six are reportedly facing monthly electricity bills of R2,000 and experiencing sudden disconnections due to a billing dispute related to municipal arrears. This situation has forced land claimants to make difficult choices between paying for food and electricity, according to TimesLIVE.

Cape Town ratepayer groups have raised concerns that rising municipal tariffs in the city's 2026/27 bills are placing growing financial pressure on households. The City of Cape Town has pushed back, saying its municipal bills and relief measures remain the most affordable among South Africa's major metros. The dispute highlights ongoing tension between the municipality and residents over the cost of rates and services.

According to IOL, Eskom says customers who generate or buy their own electricity may still contribute through network and fixed charges as falling sales volumes reshape its tariff strategy. The report indicates the utility is looking to recover grid-related costs even as more households and businesses adopt solar or alternative supply. Details on specific charge levels, implementation timing, and regulatory approval were not provided in the feed blurb.

Residents of Mangaung are calling for action regarding worsening sewer spills that are flooding Freedom Square Township. The situation has reportedly deteriorated, prompting community members to seek intervention.